West Bank facts for kids
The West Bank is a special area of land in the Middle East. It's located next to the Dead Sea, which is a very salty lake, and the Jordan River. The land here is mostly made up of hills and some desert areas. The weather is usually hot and dry in the summer. In winter, it gets cooler and there is some rain.
Today, the West Bank is mostly controlled by Israel. However, some Israelis and many other countries disagree about who should fully control this land. Since the 1990s, there have been talks between the Israeli government and the Palestinians about the future of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Most people living in the West Bank are Palestinians, but there are also many Jewish communities, called settlements. There have been disagreements about these settlements.
The State of Palestine says the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is part of its territory. The Israeli government often calls the West Bank the Judea and Samaria Area.
Contents
About the West Bank
The West Bank is a unique region with a long history. It's a place where different cultures and people live close together. Understanding its geography and the people who live there helps us learn about this important part of the world.
Geography and Climate
The West Bank is a landlocked area, meaning it doesn't touch the ocean. It's bordered by Jordan to the east and Israel to the north, west, and south. The landscape changes from rolling hills to dry desert areas, especially closer to the Dead Sea. The climate is typical for the Middle East, with very hot summers and mild, rainy winters. This weather affects how people live and what kinds of plants can grow there.
Who Lives There?
Most of the people living in the West Bank are Palestinians. These are mostly Arabs who have lived in the region for a long time. There are also many Jewish people who live in communities called settlements. These settlements have grown over the years, leading to ongoing discussions and disagreements about land and borders.
What's Happening Now?
The situation in the West Bank is complex. Both Israelis and Palestinians have strong connections to the land. For many years, leaders from both sides have been trying to find a peaceful solution for the future of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. These talks aim to decide how the land will be governed and how people can live together safely. It's a challenging process, but many people hope for a peaceful future for everyone in the region.
Images for kids
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City of Bethlehem, West Bank
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The Cave of the Patriarchs is one of the most famous holy sites in the region.
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King Hussein flying over the Temple Mount in Jerusalem when it was under Jordanian control, 1965
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City of Jericho, West Bank
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U.S. President George Bush and Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah, 2008
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View of the Judaean Mountains from Ramallah
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Map of West Bank settlements and closures in January 2006: Yellow = Palestinian urban centers. Light pink = closed military areas or settlement boundary areas or areas isolated by the Israeli West Bank barrier; dark pink = settlements, outposts or military bases. The black line = route of the Barrier
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Greater Jerusalem, May 2006. CIA remote sensing map showing areas considered settlements, plus refugee camps, fences, walls, etc.
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A Palestinian demonstration against the demolition of the village Susya
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West Bank barrier (Separating Wall)
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Palestinian girl in Nablus
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Settlement of Ariel
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Road in the West Bank
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Checkpoint before entering Jericho, 2005
See also
In Spanish: Cisjordania para niños
